We had the good fortune of connecting with Nia McKinley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nia, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I’ve been running track since I was 8 years old so fitness has always been a passion of mine. Throughout college I knew I did not want to work for someone to make their dreams come true ; I have my own dreams. People are always asking me how I got fit, how I get my body to look the way it does, and if I can train them. I love helping people achieve their fitness/health goals and teach them that they can have their dream body by just simply being naturally healthy. I want to show people that it does not matter your size or shape, you can achieve your personal goals. This is what Mama Nia Fitness means.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
It’s crazy how I got to where I am today. I’ve worked in the bar service industry since 2015 and still love it til this day. I worked my way up from being a hookah girl, to a server, to a bartender, to now managing an entire lounge. After graduating from Samford University I got a cashier job at Target. Still applying for personal training jobs, I got a job as a fitness specialist at Orange Theory. A member told me there was a volunteer position open for a track and field team at a high school and I went. Being there working with another coach he told me about a personal trainer job opening at D1 training facility. Due to COVID I lost my job and that is when I knew it was my time to live my dream and start my own business.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Living in Birmingham, Alabama there is so much do to ; mostly eat which is what I love to do! If my friend came to visit for a week, I would take her to Southern Kitchen (great brunch place), Urban Smoke (great for fried food while enjoying good drinks and hookah), Marty’s (great for a late night food run). When it’s time to party we will of course go HUSH Lounge, which is where I manage, for great hookahs and music. 3000 bar is great for day drinking and to just relax outside in the sun. There’s so much more to do but my friends always have a good time when visiting Birmingham.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family have played a major role throughout my track career and even now with me starting my business. We are all different shapes and sizes but fitness and health is what we love.

Instagram: @_MamaNia

Twitter: @MamaNia_

Facebook: Tonia (Nia) McKinley

Youtube: Froommatez

Other: business Instagram page: @MamaNiaFitness

Image Credits
Photographer: Mike Fisher

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